Vaginal lesions

[kfbdavis]

I am 36 years old and have had the same partner (faithfully)  for 11 years.  About 10 years about I started having these sores develop in my vaginal region.  They almost looked like little blisters.  I will just call them Vaginal lesions.  When they are about to show up the area will start to itch and burn slightly.  Then the vaginal lesion arrives there is considerable pain.  It will last for about a week then go away.  When they first appeared I would get one or two at a time then they would go away, but a couple of weeks later a would get another.  I was miserable.  Through the years
they have lessened.  Last year I only had one and now, about a year later, I have another. OB/gyn

[tnt406]

HI DO YOU HAVE A LOT OF DISCHARGE OR DOES YOUR VAGINAL AREA STAY WET ALL THE TIME?IF SO THEY MIGHT BE VAGINAL WARTS.THEY WILL APPEAR IF WOMEN ARE MORE WETTER THAN OTHERS.ASK YOUR DOCTOR IF THAT COULD BE IT,THEY ARE NOT THE SAME AS HERPES,THATS WHY THAT OINTMENT DIDN'T HELP THEM.ASK YOUR DOCTOR IF THERE IS SOME THING ELSE YOU CAN USE,IF THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE.I AM NOT A DOCTOR.I AM ONLY GIVING YOU MY OPPINION.TAKE CARE OF YOUR SELF.TNT406

[hm05]

Wow.  I actually have the same thing.  I know how weird it is to have this and it is not herpes or vag warts. My ob/gyn was stumped also by this problem-The same thing happens to me.  I get the feeling that they are like little paper cuts all inside, and they are excruciating when you tinkle.  I have tried a steroidal cream, perscribed by my gyne, but it is messy and gooey, and I really don't like using it, because it doesn't really do much.  Do you notice they get worse before or after your period?  I know what you mean about feeling like, "what the hell is this?"  I am in a monogomous relationship for 6 years, with the same partner, who is now my husband.  This condition really has no "name" but it is not considered a STD.  I am also frustrated by the mystery surrounding this problem.  At least someone knows what you are going through.  If you do not mind my asking, are you a fair, light eyed woman?...I am and I wonder if this is not occurring in this type more than any others, like darker skinned, tougher skinned, females. I am sensitive to just about everything.

[Holly70]

any chance these problems occur after sex?  Blisters could also be a sign of some type of dermatitis/allergy to condoms, foam, i've even heard where women develop a sensitivity to semen. Personally, I had one occurance w/a lambskin condom that caused vaginal itching, burning and swelling.  Also tampons, bath soap douches can cause reactions as well.  I cant use odor-absorbing tampons either..they casu itching/burning..I am also fair-complected and have sensitive skin.

[kfbdavis]

Yes, I do have fair, sensitive skin.  I never tan and always burn.  I have to be careful about any products that I use on my body.  I can't use tampons or soap in my vaginal region, because of the sensitivity.  Urination when I have one of the lesions can bring tears to my eyes and sometime it is difficult to sit down.   I

[hm05]

I agree that this occurs hormonally, say, a week before my period, and always after sex.  My husband and i do not use any form of birth control, and we are quite careful about it.  My husband doesn't come inside me, but, I do agree with Holly, in that I  think the pre-ejaculatory, or lube, is actually an irritant-or this combined with the friction, and the alkaline/acid ratio.  My gyne prescribed "clobetasol" doesn't work really.  I think we should all, after starting our next periods, keep a little journal, or notes about when this starts, and when it subsides, what aggrivates it, and what keeps it at bay.  I think stress, is a contributor, but not the root cause.  I think it is possible to have very sensitive, fragile skin down there...I find the kind of t.p. I use is key too.  Often when I have a "recurrance" i literally need to use washcloths to wipe.  So I keep a stack of clean white, terry cloth washcloths by the toilet, and use those, and forget the cheap t.p. like anything that is very "papery" or rough is terrible.  Try the aloe kind.  I think COttonelle makes that one.  Okay well, please all keep this thread going, it is very interested to hear other's symptoms, and experiences.

[Skygirl]

My cousin showed me this site and I am SOOO relieved that there are other people out there like me!  I hate going through this so much!  I am a flight attendant and have been staying in so many different hotels and wondered if maybe it was the different detergents.  I have little paper-cut like things too.  I even told my cousin that was exactly the wording I used.  My poor boyfriend thinks I am just having a nervous breakdown because I am always so stressed about work and cry because the pain gets to be so bad.  My Aunt works in my doctors office and I asked her if she knew what they could be.  She said she's never seen anything like it before.  I was so worried about an STD.  I just wasn't sure where it could have come from.  I am a very fair, light eyed, blond girl.  I am also really sensitive to so many different creams and detergents.  I have been using vaseline... probably a no-no... and a couple other anti-itch creams.  Which seem to help for a small amount of time.  If anyone finds out anything else... be sure to post it.  I wonder if we are the first to come across this considering our doctors are clueless...??

[kfbdavis]

Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone.  Keep your chin up.  Tell your boyfriend to be patient with you.

[hm05]

Hi all...yes, it is a good site, in that we can compare notes.  I really do think stress is a big contributor.  Some people get facial breakouts, psoriasis, eczema or some other "external" visable reaction.  Some people get internal reactions, or more or less, in places others can not see.  I agree that the best way to describe this is paper cuts, or mini micro-tears in that very delicate place.  It is upsetting because often I will be interested in sex and can not have it because of the situation down there. I think my husband thinks I am just not horny because I tell him no, rather than getting him all worried that I am not attracted to him, I try to explain it, but he doesn't know what to do to help.  I have tried a "homoepathic" remedy that was suggested by a collegue, to use ALOE VERA straight from the plant.  I know it sounds bizarre, but if you are getting ready to go to bed, just massage a little on the area, not UP INSIDE but just on the area-mine is usually on inner lips-it soothes it a bit.  Who knows it helped me.

[hm05]

HI again all, I am really all over the board tonight, but you all should scroll down to the threat on "VAGINAL FISSURES" interesting because they are speaking about the same subject there as we are here, regarding the "paper cut" like sores/lesions/.

[Jamie916]

I had a similar problem.  However, mine only occurred once and did come with flu-like symptoms which made it appear to be an STD.  (Maybe those were brought on psychologically?) I was blood-tested negative for herpes several months later.  I do have eczema on my face, though, and maybe there's a link?

[mabelbee]

Where do these lesions occur? Mine usually appear in the crease between my leg and vagina. I was told that its not herpes, yet I still don't know what it could be.

[autumnharmony]

I have this problem too and have been checked several times for herpes.. I have Crohns disease though.. and my underlying problem is my body becomes too acidic easily... I can't eat chocolate or anything tomato based etc... its instant lesions,instant little sores.. unbalanced system I have.. Crohns is autoimmune.. immune system is over active..If you suffer from any kind of acid problem or intestinal unrest its likely the lesions may have something to do with that.. such as irritable bowel etc..I was glad to find this today.. I am not alone..

[kfbdavis]

Thank you so much for the info.  I have some blood problems that I never linked to the lesions, but now I have to rethink it.  I think I may start keeping a health diary to track my foods and activites to see if there is a corrilation.  Thanks.  Yes Autumnharmony, you are not alone.

[LittleItalia]

Hello everyone, I was really nervous to first post personal comments on things like this because I thought I was the only one going through symptoms like these. It's a relief that I have others to relate to. The problems that I have been having for the past 3 months or so, are, exactly a week and half before I get my period each month, I break out with these sores. They are painful just as you've all explained. They burn and itch, a little inside and out around the vagina/vagina lips, and I get this discharge like fluid as well. The past couple of times, I have had flu-like symptoms with the breakout, but I've been tested for STD's and I've gotten blood work done to see if it has anything to do with that, and everything came out negative and alright. I've felt like I was alone in this siutation, and the more stressed I get, the worse the symptoms seem to get. I get headaches all the time, get sick to my stomach and lose my appetite sometimes, and I constantly worry because I've always considered myself a clean person. I don't sleep around and I've stayed as cautious as I thought I could be when it comes to these kind of situations. Even though I tested negative for STD's, I still get scared that it's herpes even though I don't see how I could have caught them. I don't understand why the breakout only happens at that exact time before I get my period, along with the discharge and pain. Am I alone on all these symptoms? Does anyone know any answers as to what this could be if it isn't herpes?

[Shirley123]

hi everyone, i also have these 'lesions'. i thought that they were due to recurrent sexual abuse, but am unsure now, because it has been over a year since that last happened. i agree that it feels like there are little razor cuts on the labia, which for me are usually just inside. it is painful to urinate after sex, and sometimes, i have prolonged discharge, say for over 24 hours, after sex. it's not the regular kind of discharge, it's watery and carries an odor. i am quite embarrased by all of this, but am searching for the cause. my last gynocologist said that i should use this cream to ease my discomfort. sometimes it helps, but the effects don't last very long. symptoms disappear after 24-36 hours. does anyone else have this discharge? it's more of a nuisance than painful. just wondering. if anyone has any pain-relieving suggestions, i'd appreciate them. thanks.

[kfbdavis]

Hey,
thanks for your post.  I have been keeping a squirt bottle beside the toilet.  The bottle contains a solution of baking soda and water.  When I have a painful urination I squirt my vaginal region with the baking soda solution and I find it kills the burn at once. It neutralizes the acid so it doesn't burn as much.  As for just general pain relief from the lesions, I really don't have any suggestions.  I have tried several creams and they have never worked.  I live in the VERY hot south.  I keep a couple of damp wash cloths in the freezer.  When the pain is really bad I undress and put the cold towel on my vaginal region.  It doesn't exactly make the pain go away, but it releives it a bit (at least for me).  It could just be relief from the heat, but you may try it.

[ouch17]

I'm sooo glad I'm not alone..I too have seen several doctors and had blood work done...but nobody knows what it is.  My blood work shows signs of herpes 1, which everyone has from cold sores etc...I just went to the doctor again last week to discuss my blood work and to discuss the discomfort I have after sex.  He said to show up immediately to the office when I notice the lesions so he can get a sample of it and run tests...but it's diffinitely hard because of my work schedule.  I do agree that stress may be the cause of it. I have not noticed that it occurs more often before my period...I'm pretty irregular...I get my period every two months...but I'll keep a diary in case. To ease my pain...I apply A&D creme at night...it's like a cream you would apply a baby for diaper rash or something..and it seems to help for me.  I've been dealing with this discomfort for the past 3 years...not all lesions but other problems like yeast, irritation, etc...I'm married and have had the same partner...and it's been hard on our relationship because I don't want sex as much because it hurts.  I also get burning when I tinkle after sex...I try to run warm water down my vagina as I pee to ease the pain.  But I'm glad I'm not alone...thanks for starting this thread. I'm a latina with light skin and brown eyes.

[hypocon77]

I am so glad to have found this page because I was absolutely convinced that I was dying.  I will admit that I was stupid and had unprotected sex with a fairly new partner (we used a condom before, but didn't on one occassion).  I woke up the next morning pretty sore - was very dehydrated when we had sex, even stopped sex because I was getting sore during it.  So, initially I just thought it was friction, soreness, post-sex kind of stuff.  It definetely got worse, however, at times itchy, at times sore.  I noticed after standing at a concert for several hours last night I was in so much pain I thought I was going to die - it literally starts throbbing after a while.  I can't tell if I have discharge because I started my period on Sun. (a day after it showed up).  I've taken my hand-mirror out and everything since last night after looking way too long on webmd i was convinced i had herpes.  It defeinetely looks like little tiny tears, no blisters or weird colors.  I used a hydro-cortisone cream because that's all I have.  Any other suggestions of how to manage the symptoms througout the day?  The other weird thing is (which is making me continue to question the possibility of an STD) is that this has never happened to me before.  I've had problems with dryness before and the resulting soreness, but it has never lasted this long.  Does age, medication side-effects have anything to do with it?

[Girl1415]

I have suffered from the EXACT same thing you are all describing for the last four years. I was told is it was herpes, then warts then yeast. My blood work shows herpes 1. But when I have "breakouts" the virus is not present. I have ulcerative colitis but have only been diagnosed in the last year. So I don't know if they are related. I have been suffereing from yeast the week before or after my period for the past three consecutive months and am wondering if it has to do with my birth control. So I have decided to try going off it and see of there are any improvments. Every month these "lesions" appear and they have started to go down around my anus. At night it burns and itches, which in turn makes them worse. I have tried EVERYTHING and my doctors are baffled. Any help would be appreciated. I feel lost. I love sex and to be spontaneous with my partner, but I feel as though I am always self concsious now.

[Minicoco]

You ever find out what it was I'm going through the same thing

[janeboring]

Hey gals,

So I think I'm having the same problem.  In high school I was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst with suspicions of endometriosis and put on Ortho-tricyclen.  I was not sexually active at the time and didnt have any problems.  I was taking this for about 2 1/2 years when the severe cramping, etc. began again and was switched to OrthoNovum 1/35.  Around the same time I began having frequent UTIs/cystitis infections/yeast infections one right after the other and serious vaginal dryness and pain during sex.  It was suspected that the infections were caused by the dryness and pain and I should just use KY so I started doing that.  My infections have pretty much ended, but I keep having the pain and dryness and it's even getting worse.  This week for the first time, I have 3-4 cuts after sex accompanied by a low-grade yeast infection.  I went to the doctor today and was tested for Herpes and given a prescription for Valtrex (which I can't afford).  She said she thought there was a 40% chance it was herpes (my boyfriend gets mouth cold sores, but neither of us has any other history of HSV) and a 60% chance it was "just tears" and said I should just make sure I use KY, which I already do.  Also, I'm supposed to be on my period this week, but I haven't really been having them since I started ortho-novum.

I'm definitely hoping it's not herpes, but I am hoping that it's not what y'all have either!

I guess what I was wondering is do you typically have several tears at the same time?  

Also, I wanted to point out that my doctor said it takes a minimum of 21 days for a vaginal tear to heal so you shouldn't have any sexual contact for at least that much time - a month is better.  She also said from there to slowly return to normal sex.  That sucks for sure, but that's how they supposedly heal.

My stats:

- 20 years old; W/F
- monogomous relationship of 1 year
- 3 sexual partners total - all with condoms (yay safe sex)
- no pets
- college student so i guess thats high stress
- orthotricyclen then orthnovum
- ovarian cyst; light suspicion of endometriosis
- history of dermatitis (dry skin - causes dandruff, etc)
- pending herpes test
- outbreak accompanied by low-grade yeast infection

[dido8241]

Hi everyone,

Umm i get kind of the same thing. I get very itchy, goes from a soft pink to red in colour down there, sore and hurts to pee (I dont have cuts though). My boyfriend of 1 year has got this too. It started about 6 months ago when he came inside me. I was EXTREMELY itchy. From then on after sex (no condom till he is about to ***) being itchy etc started agen then because I couldnt have sex for a week or two after because it was to painful it woudl die down then we woudl have sex and it would all start again. My boyfriend is worried its herpes, I think maybe it is his lube but I have no clue what it is ?!?

[dido8241]

Just an update my outer libia (sp?) is swollen n purple in colour and my inner libia (sp?) has small cuts (probably from my nails scratching)

[that girl]

i have been having a similar problem for about 3 years. doctors keep diagnosing it as yeast although the only symptom i have in common with yeast is the itching. the yeast medication does seem to work except these 'infections' are so recurring that it boggles my mind. it such an inconvenience especially since my boyfriend and i (monogamous for 1 year) don't get a chance to have sex very often. the last thing i need when tehre is an opporunity is to have to worry about discomfort.

i do not get multiple lesions, i get one and it is in the crease between my vagina lips. i tend to get bumps on one side but i think that is from the itching. this isn't accompanied by any different symptoms than i know of. there is no consistency to when it appears, it just happens. a lot of the times triggered by sex, but not always. however i've always been paranoid about my after-sex regime of washing and goign to the toilet since i had a uti once. it goes away when i have my period and then returns after. mine doesn't really have an 'end' which is why i have been so desperate about a cure-i can't really wait it out unless i take yeast medication. my boyfriend also complained about itching after sex (which is when i had to reveal to him my little problem-the funny thing was that the symptoms hadn't manifested in me at that point so there was no way for me to prevent in him -we don't like using condoms but we may have no choice soon) and he tested positive for yeast. my dr is testing me for herpes right now so i'm waiting on those results. she is alos testing me for a bacterial infection.

its good to see that i'm not alone in this. often i've felt as if i will never be able to enjoy a normal, spontaneous sex life and it's so depressing. reading everyone else's comments make me feel a little less alone. to add i am an east indian female with darker skin.

[NURSEGRL]

HELLO EVERY ONE. GLAD TO SEE THAT THERE ARE SO MANY OTHER WOMAN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT WE DO HAVE SOMEWHERE TO GO AND DISCUSS THEM PRIVATELY. WELL I THINK THAT I HAVE A SIMILAR CONDITION. I AM A LESBIAN AND HAVE BEEN IN A MANOGOMOUS RELATIONSHIP WITH MY GIRLFRIEND FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS. RECENTLY DURING SEX I OBTAINED A VAGINAL TEAR, BUT IT WASN'T REALLY THAT BAD. AFTER A DAY OR SO IT BEGAN TO GET WORSE AND MORE PAINFUL. I BOUGHT A TUBE OF NEOSPRIN OINTMENT TO HELP IN HEALING AND AID IN PAIN RELIEF TO NO AVAIL. IT JUST KEPT GETTING WORSE. AFTER A DAY OR SO MORE I BEGAN TO NOTICE SOME BLISTERED AREAS ON MY LABIA. I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT BECAUSE I SHAVE DOWN THERE AND THOUGHT THEY MIGHT JUST BE HAIR OR RAZOR BUMPS. BY THE NEXT DAY THE BUMPS WERE MORE PAINFUL. IT WAS BEGINNING TO BECOME UNCOMFORTABLE TO SIT, STAND, OR EVEN WALK. I THEN GREW CONCERNED. BY THE NEXT DAY THEY HAD OPENED UP AND WERE OPEN BLISTERED AREAS. NOW THEY LOOK REALLY BAD AND IT SEEMS TO BE SPREADING. THE LESIONS HAVE A WHITE ***** LOOKING FILM OVER THEM. THEY 10 TIMES MORE PAINFUL. I'V BEEN TAKING MOTRIN 800MG TO HELP THE SWELLING AND TO EASE THE PAIN. IT HELPS A LITTLE AND FOR A LITTLE WHILE, BUT I WANT THE PROBLEM SOLVED. I WAS ACTUALLY ON-LINE LOOKING AT SOME PICTURES OF VAGINAL HERPES AND COMPARING THEM TO MY CONDITION. THE PICTURES AND THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS SEEM TO BE CLASSIC OF WHAT I HAVE. HOWEVER I CAN'T THINK OF A TIME THAT I MIGHT HAVE BEEN EXPOSED. OVER THE LAST 3 YEARS I HAVE ONLY HAD 3 OTHER FEMALE SEXUAL PARTNERS. 1 WAS A LONG TERM 2YR RELATIONSHIP AND SHE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. 1 WAS A WEEKED-STAND AND THE OTHER IS MY CURRENT GIRLFRIEND. I'M GOING TO THE DOCTORS TOMORROW TO GET THIS LOOKED AT. I REALLY HOPE THAT IT'S NOT HERPES. I HOPE THAT IT'S A YEAST. BUT I'VE NEVER SEEN A YEAST LIKE THIS BEFORE. I'M A NURSE OF 7 YRS AND STILL I'M DUMBFOUNDED. ANYWAYS IF THIS IS A CONDITION THAT YOU THINK YOU MIGHT HAVE PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COMMENT AND DO TRY THE MOTRIN. IT HELPS.